Christmas Short and Sweet, page 5
“It’s great for the bottom line,” Cassie murmured back, “but hard on us.”
“There are few other families in town that would require such a huge order, so maybe more wedding cakes will come our way, but not so many cupcakes.”
It was after four when they finished the last cupcake. They’d been packaged in special containers to keep them from rubbing against each other. The plastic lids were dome shape to keep from touching the flowers. They were stacked and placed in the cooler.
“I’m beat,” Amy said, rolling her shoulders.
“My, too,” Cassie said. “I’ll be back in the morning to finish up the cake.”
“Thanks to you both we are going to be the talk of the town when everyone sees the cupcakes and the wedding cake. We couldn’t have done it without you two,” Suzanne said giving them a quick hug.
Cassie knew she wouldn’t see Josh that evening. The wedding rehearsal and rehearsal dinner were scheduled. She played with Mandy for a little while, glad to throw the ball in the snow and have the dog search for it. It was a welcome change of pace from the concentration she’d had to do to make each flower identical to the others.
Making it an early night, Cassie was asleep before nine after a nice soak in the tub.
Tomorrow would be a long day. After decorating the layers of the wedding cake, they had to pack everything in the delivery van, take it to the hotel ballroom where the reception was being held. There she and Suzanne would assemble the wedding cake and do the final decorations.
The wedding ceremony was at seven. The reception was expected to begin at eight o’clock and go until at least midnight, maybe longer.
Cassie hoped she didn’t have to stay to the very end. But they did have to pack up any of the bakery goods left and deliver them to the homeless shelter the next morning.
Maybe everything would be consumed and they could leave early.
The next morning, Cassie let Mandy out while she fixed a quick breakfast of toast and tea. She’d have to get back to the house a couple of times to let the dog out and to get her an evening meal.
While she was eating the Skype signal sounded. She knew it was Josh.
“Good morning,” she said when she answered. “You’re up early.”
“I figured you’d be up early and I wanted to catch you before you left for work.”
“What’s up?”
He shook his head. “Nothing much. I just missed seeing you yesterday so thought I’d check in before you left. I’ll see you tonight, right? At the reception?”
“Well, I’ll be there, but how much of me you see depends on what the caterers assign me to do. The good part is I’ll get to see the reception hall before the rest of you. We’ll set up the cake on its own table, and have the pretty knife especially to cut the cake on display.”
“If you’re there, that means a very long day,” he said, settling back in the chair, laptop on his legs.
“I get some time between my normal shift and when we have to be there. I thought I’d try to take a nap so I’m not so wiped out.”
“Be glad you don’t work tomorrow.”
“And I get Monday off as well to make up for working so long on Saturday. I normally have the weekends off.”
“I remember. So sleep in late on Sunday. What time should I be there for the tree decorating?”
“I won’t sleep much past ten. Do you want to come to church with me?”
“Sure. Shall I pick you up?”
“Come around ten and we’ll have brunch and then go. The church is only five minutes away.”
“Okay. I’ll be there.”
“Good.”
“Then we’ll do the tree decorating?”
“Absolutely. I hope you like Christmas music, I love to have the carols playing while I decorate.”
“Sounds good.’
“So are you ready for the big day?” she asked.
“More than ready to have the whole event over with. How about we plan on going out Sunday night? We’ll go wherever you like for dinner.”
Cassie smiled at the thought. “How about Italian? There’s a great place halfway to the next town, and they make the absolute best linguine.”
“Sounds good.”
Mandy barked at the back door.
“Hold on, I’ve got to let the dog in.” She dashed into the kitchen to open the door. Giving Mandy her breakfast bowl, Cassie hurried to the small desk.
“It’s getting late, I don’t want to hold you up,” Josh said.
“Thanks for calling. I’ll see you tonight maybe.”
“Count on it.”
The call made Cassie’s day.
She was still smiling when she reached the bakery. She carefully finished decorating the individual tiers of the wedding cake. Once on site, they'd assemble the cake and the final decorations would connect each layer. It looked lovely. She was pleased with how it turned out and hoped the bride was as well.
She had a hard time napping that afternoon, but managed an hour.
Working with Suzanne setting up for the reception was a delight. They arrived at half past six and set up the cake first. The table for the cake was to the right of the head table, under a spotlight that was turned off to keep the heat from the frosting. When time for the ceremonious cutting and serving, the light would focus on the wedding couple and the cake.
Immediately to the right of that table were the long tables for the cupcakes. Each cupcake was removed from the carrier and set on silver serving trays. Careful not to let them touch, each was placed carefully.
While Suzanne was setting them up, Cassie placed each layer on top of the lower one until all four layers of the wedding cake were in place. Then she placed the fondant flowers that matched those of the cupcakes on the connecting seams. Stepping back when she was done, she was pleased with how everything turned out.
The caterers had already set the tables for the meal. They were waiting on the wedding party to begin to serve. Once pictures at the church were finished the bridal party would arrive. In the meantime, guests had begun to arrive. Several came over to examine the cake and cupcakes.
Suzanne guarded them like they were gold. No one was getting a cupcake early. She had definite instructions from Jeannette Bradford and she was determined the evening would go exactly as that lady wanted.
When the wedding party arrived, Cassie and Suzanne remained behind the cupcakes until the meal was served. Trying to be unobtrusive, they stood by the wall, keeping an eye on things, yet hopefully fading into the background.
Maggie looked lovely in her wedding dress. The bridesmaids wore red or green dresses in a Christmas tradition. The men all looked handsome in tuxedos.
Cassie spotted Josh the minute he walked into the room. Her heart rate increased as she feasted her gaze on him. To her he was the best-looking man in the room.
He looked around until he saw her. Then nodded and smiled. The wedding party moved to the long head table and took their seats. Guests continued to arrive and found their tables.
Once the meal service began, Cassie and Suzanne went to the kitchen to see if they could help.
Working with the staff made the evening move more quickly. In seemingly no time it was time to cut the cake and serve the cupcakes.
Cassie stood again behind the tables, ready to assist in serving the plates once the wedding cake had been cut.
Maggie and Scott cut their cake and fed each other a bite. Then they offered to have everyone share in the cake or the cupcakes.
Cassie stepped up beside Suzanne and they began to put cupcakes on plates to hand to guests as they came up to the table.
“I’ll take one,” Josh said a minute later.
She smiled and handed him a plate. “I thought the head table would take the wedding cake.”
“I’m sure there’s a piece at my place, but I wanted one of these,” he said with a wink.
The band set up and began to play. As some guests continued to eat dessert, the bride and groom danced. Then the bride danced with her father and Scott danced with Jeannette. Soon other members of the wedding party joined them on the floor.
Cassie tried not to be envious when she saw Evvie dancing with Josh, but she couldn’t help wishing it was she who was dancing with him.
“We can consolidate the trays now, I think,” Suzanne said a few minutes later.
Less than fifty cupcakes remained. They were quickly consolidated on only a few silver trays, the other trays taken to the kitchen for washing.
“I’m beat,” Suzanne said. “I’m going to sit down out back. Come get me when things wind down enough you think we can pack up.”
Cassie nodded, watching the guests dance. From time to time someone would wander up and ask if they could have a second cupcake. She’d hand them one on a plate.
She wished they’d provided a chair for her to sit on. She’d been on her feet almost all day and really wanted to sit down.
The lights dimmed slightly and a slow ballad began.
“Dance?” Josh asked from across the serving table.
“I’m not a guest,” she said, surprised to be asked.
“No one’s going to know or care.” He held out his hand.
Cassie reached across the table, took his hand and walked to the end so she could join him.
Dancing together in time to the slow tune was wonderful. She hoped no one raised a fuss, but as long as Josh was willing to take the chance, so was she.
He held her closely. She enjoyed being with him. Her forehead rested against the side of his jaw as they moved to the music. Fatigue fled. She could dance with him all night.
A firm tap on her shoulder had Cassie puling back, turning to see Evvie standing there, glaring at her. “Shouldn’t you be serving guests instead of playing guest?” she demanded.
“I asked Cassie for a dance,” Josh said, still holding her hand.
“She wasn’t invited,” Evvie said. “Run along foster mom. This party's for Maggie and Scott’s guests.”
Embarrassed, Cassie tried to pull away from Josh, but his hand held hers firmly.
“So maybe we should ask Scott and Maggie if Cassie can dance,” Josh replied.
“I wouldn’t dream of interrupting their reception for such a thing. As Maggie’s best friend and maid of honor, I think I can speak for her.”
“I’ll go. Thank you for the dance, Josh,” Cassie said. She was embarrassed to be in the middle of this and wanted to escape as quickly as she could.
This time he let her go when she tugged her hand. Face flaming, Cassie almost ran to the kitchen. Someone else could watch the cupcakes or they could all disappear for all she cared. She only wanted the sanctity of the kitchen.
Glancing over her shoulder before leaving the ballroom, she saw Evvie standing where she’d left her, looking after Josh who was walking toward the head table.
A Soldier’s Christmas: Chapter Eight
“Cassie, you’re a life saver. Can you help with some of the washing up?” Suzanne was standing by the huge triple sink and motioned her over, her hands holding a slippery plate.
“One of the caterer’s employees got sick and left. We want to get cleaned up as quickly as possible once the reception is over, so are trying to keep up with rinsing the empty plates and serving dishes for the dishwasher as they come in.”
“Sure,” Cassie agreed. She stepped in Suzanne’s place and plunged her hands beneath the steady stream of water. There were plates stacked in the sink waiting to be scraped. She handed each plate to Suzanne once it’d been scraped. Suzanne loaded in to rack for the industrial dishwasher. Once the rack was full, it was sent to the machine and started through the cycle. A new rack was put in place and they started over.
“Need any help?”
Cassie turned, surprised to see Josh. “What are you doing here?”
“I told you my last obligation was the reception–making the toast. Assignment completed. The rest of my life is mine!”
She laughed. “That sounds a bit dramatic.”
“Yeah, well, I think the scene from earlier was dramatic. Evvie isn’t in charge of anything. Do you need help?”
“Could you put the dishes in the rack?” Suzanne asked. “I’ll help elsewhere.”
Josh stepped up beside Cassie.
“This is hardly the way I bet you expected your evening to end,” she said, handing him an apron and waiting until he removed his tux jacket and put the apron on.
“I didn’t expect it, but life is more fun when unexpected things pop up,” he said, stepping up to the rack and studying it for a moment.
When she handed him a dish, he slipped it into a slot and reached for another. Soon they worked together as if they’d been doing it for ages.
“How was the ceremony?” she asked.
“Nice. Everything seemed to go as planned. Maggie’s mom cried.”
“Did Jeannette?”
“Maybe a bit teary-eyed,” he said.
She slid a look at him from beneath her lashes, “Did you?”
Josh laughed aloud. “Not hardly. Mostly I kept thinking of the commitment Scott was making, how this was going to change his life forever. And what a lucky guy he is to have Maggie. To have someone to spend his life with.”
“They make a nice couple. She was so involved with sending things to your platoon while he was deployed it was almost like a full time job. I know they Skyped and all as much as anyone.”
“Not the same as being together. They have time for a short honeymoon and then will be moving.”
It was after midnight when Suzanne came over.
“I’m packed up and ready to leave. You two were angels to step in like this. But the rest can be left to others. Go home. Cassie, I’ll see you on Tuesday. Thank you, Josh for helping, too. That went above and beyond.”
“I’ll take you home if you like,” Josh offered Cassie as he rolled down his sleeves and then put on the jacket.
“My car’s outside. I followed Suzanne here so I’d have a way home. You’re still coming tomorrow?” she asked as she got her own jacket and prepared to brave the cold.
“I’ll be there at ten. Goodnight, Cassie.”
She smiled and touched his arm. “See you then.”
Who knew dish washing could end up causing one of the happiest nights of her life? She loved being with Josh. Over the year they’d spent a lot of time talking about all sorts of things. She knew him better than almost anyone. And he knew her as well.
They’d never spoken about the future beyond his coming for his dog, but she hoped he’d want to keep in touch.
The thought of not talking with him every few days hurt. She loved their Skype visits.
She thought about it for a moment.
She believed she loved Josh.
Oh no, that was not part of the deal!
She was merely to watch his dog so Mandy could return to him when his deployment was over.
Nothing had ever been said about the two of them becoming involved, though he had kissed her more than once since he’d been here.
But he’d never suggested even keeping in touch after he left.
However, he’d agreed to stay through Christmas here, instead of seeing his dad.
They’d spent a lot of time on Skype over the last year. More than she’d spent with any other man in her life. They were friends if nothing more.
But she wished there could be more.
She could hardly wait for tomorrow. She’d make memories to treasure once he was gone.
The next morning Cassie woke early and prepared a sumptuous brunch with a quiche Lorraine, fresh cinnamon rolls and hot coffee. Everything was ready just as Josh rang her doorbell at ten.
“Hmmm, it smells good in here,” he said when she let him in.
“Everything's ready so take off your coat and let’s eat while it’s hot,” she said as Mandy danced around them.
Josh spent a couple of minutes greeting his dog then took off his jacket and handed it to a waiting Cassie who hung it up. He was wearing a dress shirt and slacks, but the winter jacket was not a suit jacket.
In only moments they were eating the hot quiche, the rolls still filling the air with the sweet scent of cinnamon and sugar.
“Did you get much sleep?” Josh asked as the first pangs of hunger were satisfied.
“Enough. I woke without an alarm–unless you count a dog who had to go outside.”
“Ah, right. I remember she doesn’t keep the same hours we do.”
“She’s used to my routine and sleeping in a few hours throws everything off,” Cassie said with a smile at Mandy. “Still, I’m going to miss her so much when you take her.”
For a moment she felt a pang of sadness but kept the smile on her face. She knew it was a one-year foster. It was her own fault she’d fallen in love with a dog.
And for the dog’s owner.
She kept her gaze on her plate as suddenly the quiche didn’t appeal. Maybe she was making things harder by sharing a week together and then saying goodbye. Having a wonderful memory would be nice, but would it hurt that much more when he left?
“You’re quiet, more tired than you realized?” Josh asked.
She looked up and smiled brightly. “No, just thinking how much I’m going to miss Mandy when you both leave. As soon as Christmas is over, right?”
He nodded, his eyes studying her. “That gives us a week together.”
Plenty of time to make a dozen or more memories to cherish down the years. Or to long for repeats when he was gone.
She’d take the memories.
Once they finished eating, she quickly cleaned up and then they headed for church.
Cassie was delighted to introduce Josh to her friends at Trinity Church. The service was familiar to her and she kept glancing at him to see how he was taking it. He fit in and seemed as engrossed in the sermon as she was.
She led the way to the living room when they returned home. Boxes were stacked near the tree.
“I tested all the lights already, so that chore’s done. I never understand how I can so carefully wind the lights at the end of each holiday and yet they are still tangled when I try to stretch them out the next year. But they’re ready to wrap around the tree now.”
